Dear Parents and Carers,

As this is the last newsletter for Term 3 and as we are about to head into holidays, a big thank you to all for your support and involvement throughout a very busy Term 3.  Thank you to all staff, students and parents who supported and participated in the life of the school which included the STM Fete, excursions, Personalised Planning parent meetings, Book Week celebrations, First Holy Communion, Father’s Day stall and breakfast, Jersey Day, Sports Gala days and more.   Schools are such busy places and it is through the support of all, that we can provide such opportunities for our community.  For those who have worked hard, given their best effort and improved and achieved their goals; these coming holidays are a chance to rest, relax and recharge.  For those who may not have worked as hard as they should there is still a chance to improve to achieve the goals set at the beginning of the year - Term 4 offers you that opportunity.

Farewell Miss Marissa

Next week at the end of Term 3 we say farewell to Mrs Marissa Bishop.  Miss Marissa has been the Pastoral Support Worker at St Thomas More School for the past eight years. Miss Marissa has supported many students, families and classes in her role and led many programs to support the wellbeing of all in our community.  We say thank you to Miss Marissa for all of her support and wish her the best of luck in her new role at Uniting supporting young people.  CatholicCare is now in the process of appointing another pastoral support person for St Thomas More School.

Catholic Mission Launch

On Thursday 12th September, Jorja and Jayden in Year 6 represented St Thomas More School at the Wollongong Diocese launch of Catholic Missions 2024.  As part of the Catholic Mission launch, representatives from all Wollongong Catholic Schools and agencies were present.  Often the work of Catholic Mission is focused on raising awareness and funds for people in need.  The focus of Mission Month in 2024 is Mongolia, where schools and parishes are encouraged to raise funds to support the needy people in this part of the world.    Who are Catholic Mission in Australia?  

As the Pope’s international mission agency, we respond to the call to love God and to love our neighbour by forming individuals and communities as missionary disciples of Jesus who share their faith in action and through prayer. We share in God’s mission to reach out, give life by sharing our personal and financial resources to: - proclaim the Gospel, - serve people in need, - act for peace, justice and creation; In partnership with local churches, so that all may have life in Christ.  https://www.catholicmission

A reminder to any families who have a balance remaining on fee account to ensure all agreements and instalments are met before the end of year. Please read your monthly fee statements issued each month to ensure your payments are meeting the outstanding balance.

Should you have a fee balance which won't be finalised before the end of year, please contact our school office for a confidential conversation to reach a payment agreement. Year 6 leavers may have their student iPad held at school should the fee account not be finalised due to non payment or agreements not met.

Thank you to the families who are meeting their fee committment during the year and have paid the year fees.